Phel Gets Her Shoot On

* Note to all McMiller people, be sure to read the last paragraph

I was the lone gunwoman today as I headed out to McMiller. Asian Badger was considering going but could not make it.

This was the first time I shot the gun, ever. So part of me really wanted someone to be there with me, but what was I thinking. Gun owners are a group of people who are generous with their time and knowledge. Every person I encountered today - working or shooting there - was wonderful and open to interaction. Which is very different from the intellect-minded city.

I patterned for Turkey to start with, and quickly figured out my shoulder pad wasn't necessary. I also need to get up further on the barrel and snug the gun in harder so that what I'm looking at down the barrel is what I intend to shoot. All of the long guns I've handled before have had scopes, so this is an adjustment for me.

Then, I went to the 100 yard range to shoot some slugs through the smooth barrel. I shot Winchester 2 3/4 1 oz slugs 1600 fps. I just lost every gun-fearing lefty there, but I digress :) Those slugs went well, but not as accurate as I would have liked in this barrel, although I was warned that would be the case. After about four of those, I switched to a Federal Power-Shok 3 in 1 1/4 slug, 1600 fps. One of those was enough for one day, my friends. At least until I get more range time and more tolerance.

Next trip, I'll switch out to the slug barrel and fire some sabots.

Later this evening or tomorrow, I will post a scan of a notice that McMiller gave me. The state rep for the area is trying to either a) get McMiller shut down in favor of a ski resort or b) restrict the type of ammunition that can be shot there. Both options are bad. McMiller is the only facility of its type in the state of Wisconsin, and we have to call the representatives and the DNR to ensure that it is not threatened. Apparently, the DNR is sympathetic to the continuity of McMiller. Stay tuned, because I will post the notice.

Make some calls... feel free to forward it on to anyone.

I Heart The 12 Gauge

Note to self. Hunting in the summer isn't easy business. For one there are mosquitos, and for two, it's frickin hot.

So yes, today was hunting day... and I can't wait to go again but it will be after the bugs die off. I was very pensive about taking a shot when the bugs were as bad as they were. I'm sure that for most hunters this isn't a big deal, but like most people ...when my hand is on the trigger, that's some serious go time.

But I did get a shot in. It was real and it was spectacular. 12 gauge shotgun. I've shot handguns and rifles thus far but not a shotgun. A little different than I was expecting too...it went straight back instead of up or sideways. After I took the shot I'd say about 8 doves came flying out of the tree. My friend said, "that looked good".

Well good. Because I wouldn't expect someone to waste their effort if I was a pansy. That's just no fun. I really wanted to take another shot, too. Maybe next time :)

I Am So Going Hunting on Monday!

You guys, I went to WalMart today. It wasn't easy. Not because I dislike WalMart, but I don't go alone.

I have my very first ever hunting license. With my very own name on it. Small game. Big guns. I should have some pics too.

Watch out, varmints....

Hey Sugarpies

Don't forget....this Saturday's the day.

McMiller's 10:00 - 2:00. Stop by the BBA for the details from Second Amendment expert extraordinaire and event organizer Chris!

Your Rights

I'm tired of hearing all this on-and-on about "gun culture" in relation to mass shootings. Nobody seems to be squeaking about thug culture and the thousands of lives it claims each year. Or the untold costs of random shootings and the toll they take on the quality of everyone's lives of all backgrounds and socioeconomic levels. Outlawing guns is not the answer. Facing the problem is the answer.

But now a few words about responsible gun ownership.

Chris of spottedhorse2 is getting ready to hold the spring outing at McMillers'. He's posted some dates at the BBA. If you're genuinely interested, I hope you can make it. We had a wonderful time last year and I'm looking forward to this spring.